American Heart Association

460 N. Lindbergh BlvdSt. Louis, MO 63141

SERVING: Metro St. Louis

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Tracy Brazelton

Mission statement

Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Brief history

The American Heart Association was founded in 1924 in New York City by six cardiologists. They came from heart societies in different parts of the country and met to establish one national organization. From that small meeting, the American Heart Association grew to become the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to reducing heart disease and stroke. Today people from around the country and around the world still join us to save lives.

Goal

The American Heart Association has set a bold goal “to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent.” This 10-year goal expands our focus beyond risk factors to promote cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and by creating a tangible method to measure better health for all populations. It gives us a clear roadmap to help all Americans live longer, stronger lives.

Volunteer opportunities

As a volunteer-driven organization, the American Heart Association would not be able to accomplish its goals, fulfill its mission and make a difference in the health of our community without people like you. There are many volunteer opportunities. Your expertise, your ideas, and your enthusiasm are needed to implement the many programs and events the American Heart Association has available. We invite you to join us in fighting America’s number one and number three killers - heart disease and stroke. For more information visit www.heart.org/volunteer or call 314-692-5600

Giving opportunities

Contributions by individuals and organizations make up the majority of the American Heart Association. Gifts are given through our major gifts campaign, planned giving, tributes, memorials, corporate sponsorships and through one of our major fundraising events.

Circle of Red — Make an individual donation of $1000 or more to the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.

Cor Vitae — Join an elite society of donors by making a personal donation of $5000 or more during one calendar year.

Planned Giving — Include the American Heart Association in your will or estate plan and leave a legacy that will fund research and education, benefiting others long after you’re gone.

Tributes & Memorials — Honor your loved one by making a tribute or memorial contribution in their name.

Dear Neighbor — You can help save lives of people in your community by volunteering to raise money through the American Heart Association’s Dear Neighbor Campaign. All you have to do is mail prepared letters to your neighbors.

Fundraising events

Go Red for Women Luncheon — Friday, February 1, 2013 Ritz Carlton – This event brings St. Louis-area women together to provide them with the opportunity to attend educational sessions about how they can start being heart healthy.

St. Louis Heart Ball — Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Ritz Carlton – One of St. Louis’ premiere social galas, the event celebrates the mission of the American Heart Association.

Franklin County Heart Walk — Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Washington City Fairgrounds Swine Pavilion –The Heart Walk is a non-competitive walk that celebrates those who have made lifestyle changes and encourages many more to take the pledge to live healthier lifestyles while raising the dollars needed to fund life-saving research and education, advocate for health and save lives.

Metro St. Louis Heart Walk — Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Busch Stadium – As the American Heart Association’s largest local fundraiser, this event is designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, and creates an environment that’s fun and rewarding for the entire family.

American Heart Association Annual Golf Classic — Monday, June 3, 2013 at Persimmon Woods – This event is geared towards those members of the community that enjoy a fun filled afternoon on the golf course with friends and colleagues to learn more about the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission.